Matthew Bates reacts to Hartlepool United's Guiseley loss and that Louis Laing error

Caretaker Matthew Bates says Louis Laing held his hands up in the dressing-room after costing Hartlepool United a potentially vital point against Guiseley.
Blair Adams tries his luck from distance.Blair Adams tries his luck from distance.
Blair Adams tries his luck from distance.

An inexplicable error a minute from the final whistle ensured Pools left Victoria Park empty-handed, ending their three-game win streak and bring to an close an unbeaten run going back five games.

Bates was disappointed that his side could not take something from the afternoon.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“That was frustrating at the end – I think we were good in spells and in possession. Our sloppiness left us open at times," said Bates, whose side remain seven points above the National League dropzone.

"We were done by a sucker punch at the end – the message is we carry on and move on.

"Laingy held his hands up after the game, he was devastated but mistake aside he was outstanding and he has been in recent games. You have to handle that side of it and move on and not let is affect you."

Laing has been much improved for Pools in recent weeks, coinciding with the appointment of his former youth coach at Sunderland Ged McNamee to the staff.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But he let himself and his side down badly against a side who look certain to be relegated from the fifth tier.

Bates continued: "It’s a mistake, it’s down to an individual mistake which you can’t legislate for. He has been a colossus at the back in recent games.

"It’s massively important to move on and we have had a chat about it already.

"He is in a better place now than he was recently and I’m sure he will be fine."